{"id":1058,"date":"2020-11-17T15:02:55","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T15:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/?p=1058"},"modified":"2020-12-19T00:37:58","modified_gmt":"2020-12-19T00:37:58","slug":"are-all-barcode-scanners-the-same","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/are-all-barcode-scanners-the-same\/","title":{"rendered":"Are All Barcode Scanners The Same?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Welcome to this comprehensive post where we will be answering the question of whether all barcode scanners are the same or not. Our team has studied wide on barcode scanners and we have examined many models to see where the various models of barcode scanners differ. Read on, as we share our findings with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are all barcode scanners the same? All barcode scanners perform the same function and follow the same operational process. But still, there are different types of barcode scanners. Laser barcode scanners are different from imagers. And wired scanners are different from wireless scanners. In essence, the operational process of every barcode scanner involves shining special red light on a barcode to detect and decode it. How this is done and how the scanner transmits the information to the computer is where barcode scanners are different.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world of barcode scanners is vast, filled with many brands and models. Looking at these several models, you may wonder what makes each one unique. Don\u2019t they all do the same thing? Yes, they all do the same thing but as you will soon see, they may not all be exactly the same. We will show you more details about the different types of barcode scanners as you read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Do Barcode Scanners Differ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Barcode scanners differ in two major ways – their scanning functionality and connectivity. By scanning functionality, a barcode scanner can either be a laser scanner or an imager scanner. And by connectivity, a barcode scanner can be a wired scanner or a wireless scanner. These are broad categories with different types of barcode scanners under each category. An imager scanners, for instance, can either be a linear imager or a 2D imager.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one of our other posts, we talk about the 15 different types of barcode scanners<\/a>. You can read the post if you want to know about the different types of barcode scanners available. But as you read on in this post, we will show you how barcode scanners differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser vs. Imager Barcode Scanners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By scanning functionality, you can divide barcode scanners into laser and imager scanners.<\/strong> Laser scanners are the better option for reading barcodes at long distances of more than 2 feet and under low-light conditions. But while laser scanners mostly decode only 1D barcodes, imagers can read and decode both 1D and 2D barcodes, as well as matrix symbols. There are omni-directional laser scanners which can also read 2D barcodes, but they cannot read matrix symbols. Only 2D imagers can read matrix symbols.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scanning functionality of a barcode scanner refers to its type of technology (laser or imager). Conversely, the scanning capability of a barcode scanner refers to the type(s) of barcodes it can read and decode (1D, 2D, or matrix symbols). Both properties are interconnected. In the next section, you will see how barcode scanners differ along these two lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lasers are the most popular and most common type of barcode scanners for small businesses<\/a>. They operate by emitting laser light that reflects the barcode back to the scanner for processing. They are easy to operate and integrate easily into inventory systems and retail arbitrages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser Scanner Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
  • They are extremely fast. Some laser barcode scanners can scan and decode as many as 400 times per second.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    • They are also very accurate. All you need to do is point the laser scanner at the barcode for quick and accurate results.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      • The long-distance capability of laser scanners set them apart from imagers. Some laser barcode scanners can even scan barcodes from as far as 50 feet.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Laser Scanner Disadvantages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        • Ambient light can negatively affect scanning with a laser scanner. Remember that light reflection is essential for laser scanners to read barcodes. As such, direct sunlight and other sources of bright light can make scanning with a laser scanner difficult.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          • Laser scanners cannot scan barcodes from screens, including computers, mobile devices, and LCD screens.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            • Laser scanners have a few other limitations. For instance, most scanners cannot capture scans when the barcode is too small, faded, or damaged.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Imager Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Imager scanners function like digital cameras. Instead of using laser beams, imagers capture the picture of barcodes with a lens, sensor, and external source of light. They are also easier to operate and deliver faster results because they can read barcodes in any direction, even when they are turned upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Imager Scanner Advantages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              Some of the advantages of imagers over laser scanners are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              • Some imagers can read both 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional barcodes. 2D barcodes, like QR codes and Data Matrix, can hold more information than 1-D barcodes. More so, they use a smaller space.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                • Barcode imagers can read damaged barcodes. They can also read barcodes in different orientations, as well as from device screens and under ambient light.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  • Some barcode imagers can read DPM (direct part marks). You can use DPM to track items all through their lifecycle.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    • Barcode imagers can help verify barcode quality.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      There are two types of barcode imagers, namely CCD scanners (also called linear imagers) and 2D area imagers. In the next section, we will discuss the differences between these two types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \u2705 Video – Image vs Laser Barcode Scanners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                      This video contains an easy-to-understand explanation of how laser barcodes differ from imager barcodes. If you want to know what type will fit your needs, make sure to watch this video to the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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